People often ask me what it’s really like to be a ballet dancer. Do we just rehearse, perform, and drink green smoothies all day? Well—yes and no. There’s a certain magic to being a dancer, but there’s also a ton of structure, sweat, and repetition behind every perfect pirouette you see on stage. In this article, I’m sharing an inside look at a day in the life of a ballet dancer—based on my own experience and that of many dancers I’ve worked with.

Morning: Routine, Recovery & Barre

7:00 AM – Wake Up & Stretch

My mornings usually begin with gentle stretching or a short walk. It’s about waking up the body without overwhelming it. Recovery is crucial—especially after late-night performances.

8:00 AM – Fuel the Body

Breakfast varies depending on the day’s workload, but usually includes:

  • Complex carbs (oats, toast)

  • Protein (eggs, yogurt)

  • Hydration (lots of water + coffee for me!)

For more tips on fueling up for a day of dance, check out our Nutrition Tips for Ballet Dancers.

9:00 AM – Arrive at the Studio

Most companies require dancers to be in the studio early to warm up before company class. It’s our version of checking in at the office—but in tights.

Midday: Class & Rehearsals

10:00 AM – Company Class

Company class is the daily maintenance work. It’s a full 90-minute technique class, starting at the barre and moving to center work. Even after years of dancing, this class is essential—it keeps us strong, sharp, and ready.

11:30 AM – Rehearsals Begin

Depending on the season, we might be rehearsing:

  • Classical repertory like Giselle or Sleeping Beauty

  • Contemporary works from new choreographers

  • Touring material for international performances

Rehearsals can go for hours at a time, with short breaks in between. And yes, we rehearse the same variation dozens of times.

If you’re curious how different companies choose their material, read our article on Emerging Ballet Companies doing innovative things with repertory.

Afternoon: Cross-Training & Costume Fittings

2:00 PM – Physical Therapy or Conditioning

If we’re lucky, there’s time to squeeze in some cross-training. Pilates, theraband exercises, or even just foam rolling can help with:

  • Preventing injury

  • Building endurance

  • Improving turnout and alignment

You can learn more about this in our post on Cross-Training for Ballet Dancers.

3:00 PM – Fittings or Coaching

Some days include meetings with costume departments or one-on-one coaching with artistic staff. Every role requires refinement—character work, musicality, even the way we breathe on stage.

Evening: Performances or Cool Down

5:00 PM – Dinner & Downtime

If there’s no show, I eat something light and healthy and take a short rest. If we have a performance, I’ll keep things minimal—often just soup, fruit, and fluids.

6:30 PM – Call Time

Back to the theater. We stretch, warm up, do our hair and makeup, and get into costume. This is when the nerves start to kick in—but also the adrenaline.

7:30 PM – Curtain Up

Whether it’s a leading role or an ensemble number, the moment the music starts, it all comes together. The rehearsals, the sore muscles, the endless repetition—it’s all worth it for those fleeting moments under the lights.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Glamorous, but It’s Worth It

Ballet is both a passion and a profession. It demands everything—your mind, your body, your time. But there’s nothing like the feeling of telling a story through movement and connecting with an audience without saying a word.

If you’re inspired to start dancing at any age, read our guide on Ballet for Different Age Groups. Trust me—it’s never too late to experience the beauty and challenge of ballet.